Nashville drummer Michael Toman’s debut album, In Motion, strikes an interesting chord for a variety of reasons. Not only did Toman, a recent MTSU alum, compile his six-track effort with all self-composed material, most examples of which extend to eight or nine minutes in length, the 23-year-old musician received a grant from MTSU last spring to record the project.
The songs, with titles like “Something in the Way of Things,” “In the Wind,” “Sun Through the Trees” and others, reflect Toman’s performing and writing as an undergraduate music student. While obtaining his bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and performance, Michael studied under saxophonist Don Aliquo, an MTSU professor of saxophone and jazz studies who also appears on several of the selections. Other musicians who appear on the album include Matt Endahl, a pianist, composer and adjunct instructor at Belmont University, and Jonathan Wires, an adjunct professor at MTSU and member of Nashville Jazz Composers Collective.
The album’s quality is crisp and clear and holds up to professional standards. In true improvised-jazz fashion, Toman and company are just as strong alone as they are when joining forces. Although there’s a lot going on during any given track, none of the songs feel rushed; each player highlights the melody while others lay low in support. The album’s cinematic, opening title track, for example, is a pensive conversation between performers, with Toman’s subdued drumming complementing Endahl’s emphatic piano work. The opener’s introspective mood spills over to the haunting number “In the Wind,” a quieter track with a rhythm that is just as complex as its predecessor.
Collectively, In Motion is an impressive first addition to Toman’s repertoire. I can’t imagine too much time will pass before we hear from him again. To stay up-to-date on live performances and future releases, visit facebook.com/michaeltomanmusicgroup.
Toman will hold a CD release show on Jan. 25 at The Family Wash in Nashville, located at 626-A Main St. Michael Toman’s In Motion is available on iTunes, Spotify and ReverbNation.
